Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize the workspace often requires moving the opening point of the refrigerator. Reversing the door on appliances Siemens —a procedure that allows you to change the direction of opening the doors from left to right or vice versa. This is not just a cosmetic improvement, but a functional necessity for many owners who are faced with the inconvenient location of the unit.
Modern models of the German brand are designed taking into account the possibility of such modification, however, the process requires accuracy and understanding of the design of the hinges. Engineering assembly these devices require the presence of hidden fasteners that cannot be damaged during dismantling. Properly performed work guarantees tightness and long service life of the seals.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, starting from preparing tools and ending with the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to skewing of the canvas or damage electronic cables in models with a display on the facade. Readiness for work and the availability of free space around the unit are the first steps to success.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting physical work, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the process and prepare all the required tools. Refrigerator must be completely disconnected from the power supply, and it is better to temporarily remove all shelves and drawers from the door to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid broken glass. Free up space around the unit by at least one meter for convenient maneuvering.
You will need a set of tools that are usually in the arsenal of a home craftsman, but there are also specific requirements. To work with fasteners Siemens often you need socket wrenches of a certain size, since the bolts can be recessed deep into the body. It will also be useful to have an assistant who will help hold the heavy door while unscrewing the lower hinges.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and decorative panels.
- 🔧 Socket wrenches or sockets measuring 8 mm and 10 mm (often required for main bolts hinges).
- 📏 Building level for checking the horizontal installation after rearrangement.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to carry out work on hanging doors while the refrigerator is connected to the power supply. This may lead to a short circuit if the sensor wiring is accidentally damaged.
Pay special attention to the floor covering. It is recommended to cover the work area with thick cardboard or a soft mat. If during work you drop a heavy metal bolt or tool, it can damage the floor covering or even pierce the lower part of the refrigerator body. Caring attitude to equipment is the key to the absence of hidden defects after repair.
Dismantling the top part and door handle
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. In most models Siemens this is where the main mounting points and, possibly, electronic components are located. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present. It can be attached to latches or small screws that need to be unscrewed counterclockwise.
Next you should carefully disconnect cable wiringif your model is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door. The wires are usually connected through connectors that need to be unfastened by pulling on a latch, rather than the wires themselves. Sudden movements are unacceptable here, since the contacts can be fragile.
After freeing the communications, you can begin to remove the handle itself. Depending on the series of the refrigerator, the fasteners may be hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the end. Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the screws and remove the handle. This will make it easier to access the top hinges and reduce the load on them when you subsequently remove the door.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give way, do not use excessive force to avoid tearing off the caps. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. This will help dissolve corrosion and make it easier to unscrew.
Removing the door and working with hinges
Now comes the most crucial moment - the physical separation of the door leaf from the body. You will need a helper to hold the door while you remove the top hinge bolts. Once the fasteners are removed, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the lower support axis. Do not place the removed part flat on the floor - it is better to lean it against the wall, laying it with a soft cloth.
The lower hinge also requires dismantling. Unscrew the bolts securing it to the refrigerator body. Pay attention to the washers and bushings - their order and location are critical for proper assembly. Structural elements hinges Siemens often have a specific shape, so remember which side they were installed.
If you have a Side-by-Side model or a refrigerator with bottom freezer, the procedure is repeated for each section. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the plinth panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the hardware. Work sequentially, putting all the fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose anything.
- 🚪 Remove the top hinge, having first secured the door.
- 🔌 Disconnect all electrical connectors (for models with NoFrost and displays).
- ⬇️ Carefully remove door from the lower support axis.
- 🔩 Dismantle the lower hinge and save all the washers.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door weighs quite a lot and has an offset center of gravity. When removing it from the hinges, hold it firmly with both hands so that it does not fall on your feet and damage the floor covering.
Rearranging fasteners to the opposite side
After successful dismantling of all components, the stage of preparation for installation on the new side begins. At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator you will see symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed from the “new” working side and rearranged in place of the old holes to hide them.
Metal bushings and hinge axes often have a universal design or are equipped with mirror analogues. You need to move support pins to the holes on the opposite side of the case. Make sure they are fully seated and locked. In some models Siemens you need to turn the hinge itself 180 degrees or replace it with a mirror one from the kit.
Do not forget to move the stoppers and opening limiters, if they are provided for in the design. These small plastic or metal parts prevent the door from hitting the side of the refrigerator when opened suddenly. Their installation in a new location is mandatory to maintain aesthetics and functionality.
☑️ Checklist before installation
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber while the door is removed. If there are creases or dirt on it, now is the time to wipe it down with warm water and a mild detergent or replace it if it has become unusable. A dirty seal can cause a loose fit after rehanging.
Installing the door and adjusting the gaps
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the bottom hinge in its new location and secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow for final adjustments. Then, with the help of an assistant, slide the door onto the bottom shaft and align it vertically.
Next, the upper loop is mounted. Insert the bolts into the holes and lightly press the structure. Now you need to check the horizontal and vertical installation. If the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners of the lower hinge and tighten the adjusting bolts (if any) or use shims until the ideal position is achieved.
| Adjustment element | Purpose | Tool | Sign of correct settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front legs | Tilt the body back | Adjustable wrench | The door closes itself |
| Bottom hinge | Height and gap from below | Socket wrench | Uniform gap along the bottom |
| Top hinge | Door vertical | Screwdriver/Key | Equal clearance on the sides |
| Stoppers | Stroke limitation | Hands | No knocking housing |
After mechanical installation, it is necessary to reconnect the electrical connectors. Make sure that the cables are not pinched by the metal loops and lie in the channels provided for them. Wire insulation should not be damaged. Close the decorative panels and install the handles on the new side using the prepared holes.
Final check and common mistakes
When all the bolts are tightened and the handles are installed, carry out a final check. Open and close the door several times to make sure it moves smoothly and there are no squeaks. Pay attention to the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter - there should be no gaps anywhere through which cold air can escape.
One of the common mistakes is overtightening the hinge bolts. Excessive force can warp the metal or strip the threads, causing misalignment that cannot be corrected by adjustment. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but without fanaticism. They also often forget about the plugs, leaving the holes gaping, which spoils the appearance of expensive equipment. Siemens.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Check to see if condensation or ice appears in the door joint area - this is a sure sign that the re-hanging was not entirely successful and the hinges need to be re-adjusted. If everything is done correctly, the equipment will work like new.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
If you have basic skills in handling tools and you have an assistant to support the gravity, independent work is quite possible. However, if you have a model with a system NoFrost and complex electronics on the door, or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact specialists so as not to damage expensive components.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is an extra loop of wires left?
In some models, the cable length is calculated with a margin. The excess wire must be carefully placed in the channel provided for this purpose inside the case or behind the decorative panel. The main thing is not to pinch it with hinges and not leave it dangling, so that it is not damaged when the door moves.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a cooling system in the door?
If your doors have built-in air ducts for the cooling system (Air Cooling technology in the door), then rehanging is impossible or extremely difficult, as it requires the transfer of complex highways. In such cases, the manufacturer usually does not provide for changing the opening side. Check the instructions for your specific model. Siemens Since the air ducts of the cooling system are built-in (Air Cooling technology in the doors), re-hanging is impossible or extremely difficult, as it requires the transfer of complex lines. In such cases, the manufacturer usually does not provide for changing the opening side. Check the instructions for your specific model.